When modern therapy practice Lumin opened off Augusta Rd. in May 2020, it was right in the midst of COVID.

As challenging as the pandemic has been, it has also offered an opportunity for many people to reassess their lives, their work-life balance, and their careers in general. Think: The Therapy Generation meets The Great Resignation. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that a local practice focusing on not just therapy, but also career coaching and reaching one’s highest potential, has seen so much growth.

We talked to Dr. Angelica Perez-Litwin, founder of Lumin, to get some more insight into trends the practice has observed over the past year:

The stigma surrounding therapy has lessened.

As Lumin’s patient roster has grown, the societal stigma of going to therapy has shrunk. Lumin’s approach and integrated services such as therapy, career mentoring, and therapeutic art groups in a welcoming space has been intentional, to normalize the experience of going to therapy. With the growth of apps and online services advertising therapy, plus the growing presence of celebrities and public figures opening up about their mental health, more and more people feel comfortable trying therapy — and being open about it.

Something doesn’t need to be “wrong” to go to therapy.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or grief, to name a few, therapy can be a wonderful tool. Something Lumin is starting to see more of, though, is patients coming in not so much for a fix, but for a transformation. These patients are feeling pretty darn good overall, but they know that Lumin’s services can help them better their lives through personal growth.

Patients are not one size fits all.

No one patient is the same. Lumin’s clients include individuals balancing life and work, such as professionals, individuals in highly stressful jobs, leaders, entrepreneurs, college/graduate students, and healthcare providers, among others. Loyal to their motto, “more than a therapy practice,” Lumin addresses multiple areas of people’s lives, whether that’s emotional wellbeing, career strategizing, personal growth, or tapping into their creativity. Lumin’s team includes therapists, career coaches, alcohol and drug counselors, yoga instructors, and therapeutic art coaches, to help people feel grounded, joyful, successful, and in control.

Lumin’s offerings

With an increase in patients with different backgrounds and needs, Lumin has expanded its team to 15 therapists and career coaches. The latest additions to the team include:

Asha McMillian, NCC, SHRM-CP, PHR, who leads the Lumin@Work program (think: workshops, training programs, and team assessments for employers to boost employee morale, productivity + emotional wellbeing)
Award-winning artist and Certified Therapeutic Art Coach Michelle Jardines
Marc Burrows, MSW, ADC-P, CPRS, an experienced alcohol and drug addiction counselor

On top of these offerings and Lumin’s unique integration of therapy and career counseling, patients also love its accessible, non-clinical feel. Their philosophy? Going to therapy should feel like going to your favorite coffee shop, a re-energizing experience in a physically calming environment.

We’re feeling calmer just looking at this space. | Photo provided

In addition to coffee, tea, and mid-century modern furniture where folks can work and hang out, Lumin features 16 tall windows to drench the space in natural light, plus plants + local artwork.

Lumin’s lobby is light-filled and inviting. | Photo provided

Interested in speaking with a therapist or career coach? Lumin is currently accepting new patients.*

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